New rock picker cleans fields

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The RP1000 rock picker threatens to end the rock-picking jobs of youth. Developed by Mel Aho, a farmer from central Minnesota, the new RP1000 picked up enough rock to fill 175 dump-truck loads, all from a 55-acre field. It took 65 hours of machine time to complete the task.

Aho designed the original rock picker after trying to farm a 160-acre field that was strewn with stones. A friend from Washington helped him build the picker. Aho’s brother Mark is now helping to bring the rock picker to market. Mark has been in the steel erecting business.

The Aho brothers will be hosting a public demonstration of the rock picker in the Hillview Management area new Sebeka, MN, on April 30 and May 1. Farmers with stony fields are invited to attend. While the RP1000 is not available for purchase right now, it may be hired for work in a rocky field.